Top candidate to replace three-year starter Thomas Wright at strong safety...AS A FRESHMAN: Presented the Tommy Love Award as the team's most improved player...appeared in 10 games in 2002, starting the last five games of the season at free safety (vs. Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Purdue and Penn State)...suffered a sprained knee in the season opener vs. Eastern Michigan and sat out the next two games, vs. Rice and California...played 206.5 minutes...recorded 38 tackles (30 solos, 8 assists)...registered six stops (5-1) vs. Michigan...earned Spartan Defensive Player of the Week honors after producing a career-best 13 tackles (12-1) in his first collegiate start vs. Wisconsin...made four solo tackles vs. Minnesota...selected Spartan Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Iowa (7 production points)...also posted his only tackle for loss vs. Iowa (6 yards)...2001 SEASON: Granted a medical redshirt after missing the entire 2001 campaign with a knee injury...underwent surgery Oct. 11 to repair the torn meniscus in his left knee...HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Second-team all-state and all-district selection as a senior...made 55 tackles and intercepted seven passes to earn first-team all-conference honors in 2000...versatile player started the last six games at quarterback plus saw action at wide receiver and running back...had 16 catches for 400 yards (25.0 avg.) and four touchdowns...caught 10 passes for 112 yards and two TDs in the season finale vs. Westerville South...completed three-of-six throws for 67 yards vs. Westerville South, scored on a 25-yard reverse and intercepted two passes...had a 100-yard rushing game vs. Gahanna...played for Coach Steve Hale at Groveport-Madison High School in Groveport, Ohio ...received the Ernie Godfrey Award, which is presented to the top scholar-athlete in the greater Columbus area, in addition to being selected conference scholar-athlete of the year ...sported a 3.95 grade-point average...qualified for the track and field regional in the pole vault, high jump and long jump ...son of Terry and Lori Smith...born March 17, 1983...majoring in criminal justice.